Entrepreneur and wellness advocate Stephen Simmang is encouraging individuals and communities to reexamine how they approach mental health. Drawing from his own career shift, from insurance to emotional wellness, Simmang is raising awareness about the value of simple, consistent mental health habits that individuals can start on their own.

“We’re surrounded by information and tools,” says Simmang. “But the real work starts when we slow down and get quiet.”

Why Emotional Health Can’t Wait

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. And stress? Nearly 77% of Americans say it affects their physical health, according to The American Institute of Stress.

“Mental health is not a niche issue,” says Simmang. “It’s the foundation of everything—how we parent, how we lead, how we relate to others.”

Stephen believes prevention and regulation should come before crisis response—and that those habits can start small.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” he adds. “You don’t need a diagnosis to care for your mental health.”

From Insurance to Insight

Stephen began his career helping design wellness plans for major insurance providers, including Gallagher. But over time, he became increasingly aware of the gaps in reactive healthcare systems. “I was helping people access care,” he says. “But I wanted to help them avoid needing it in the first place.”

That shift led to the founding of Prioritize Wellness in 2018 and Kale Diagnostics in 2022. At Kale, Simmang helped scale a company that blended lab testing, data, and personalized care for long-term health.

“We wanted to understand the whole person—not just symptoms,” he says.

But as the company grew, Stephen felt another change coming.

A Personal Turn Toward Mindfulness

After stepping back from his role at Kale, Simmang began focusing on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and mental clarity.

“Mindfulness wasn’t a strategy—it was survival,” he says. “Journaling and breathwork helped me think clearly in the middle of real challenges.”

These practices weren’t part of a product roadmap—they were daily tools he used himself.

“When I’m overwhelmed, I step back. I breathe. I ask myself what really matters,” he says.

Now, he’s turning those tools into a mobile app designed to help others develop nervous system awareness, reduce stress, and build inner stability. The app is currently in development and will be shared on his website: stephensimmang.com.

Supporting Mental Health for All

Simmang also supports several mental health organizations that reflect his values:

• Mental Health America
• The Jed Foundation
• The David Lynch Foundation

“They’re creating access without overwhelm,” he says. “We need more of that—quiet, steady support that meets people where they are.”

A Call to Reflect, Not React

Simmang is encouraging people to take ownership of their mental well-being in small, intentional ways.

“You don’t need to wait for a breaking point,” he says. “Start by noticing how you feel. Write down what’s true for you today. Take five minutes to breathe.”

He suggests:

• Journaling your thoughts every day; this simple act can create space where there is tension.
• Taking breaks from screens to reset the nervous system
• Supporting organizations that promote mental health access
• Allowing yourself to sit still and breathe; even a few minutes can calm the nervous system and lower cortisol.

“Breakthroughs don’t come from doing more,” Simmang adds. “They come from pausing long enough to hear what we need.”

Reframing Success Around Alignment

As he continues his work in emotional wellness, Stephen remains grounded in a philosophy of purpose and presence.

“Success, to me, is alignment,” he says. “If I’m building something that reflects my values and allows me to feel at peace, then I know I’m on the right path.”

He believes the same applies to individuals everywhere.

“You don’t have to chase every trend,” he says. “Just get honest with yourself. What makes you feel more whole? Start there.”

Take the First Step

Simmang’s message is simple: emotional health is not out of reach, and it doesn’t require perfection.

Start small. Stay honest. Breathe. Reflect.For more on Stephen’s latest work and mental health resources, visit stephensimmang.com.

Media Contact
Contact Person: Stephen Simmang
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City: Plano
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website:https://www.stephensimmang.com/

Assuming people’s daily lives are unlikely to get less stressful anytime soon, simple and effective ways to mitigate these effects are needed.

This is where dogs can help.

As researchers at the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection, we study the effects animal companions have on their humans.

Dozens of studies over the last 40 years have confirmed that pet dogs help humans feel more relaxed. This would explain the growing phenomenon of people relying on emotional support dogs to assist them in navigating everyday life. Dog owners have also been shown to have a 24% lower risk of death and a four times greater chance of surviving for at least a year after a heart attack.

Now, a new study that we conducted with a team of colleagues suggests that dogs might have a deeper and more biologically complex effect on humans than scientists previously believed. And this complexity may have profound implications for human health.

How stress works

The human response to stress is a finely tuned and coordinated set of various physiological pathways. Previous studies of the effects of dogs on human stress focused on just one pathway at a time. For our study, we zoomed out a bit and measured multiple biological indicators of the body’s state, or biomarkers, from both of the body’s major stress pathways. This allowed us to get a more complete picture of how a dog’s presence affects stress in the human body.

The stress pathways we measured are the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, or HPA, axis and the sympathoadrenal medullary, or SAM, axis.

When a person experiences a stressful event, the SAM axis acts quickly, triggering a “fight or flight” response that includes a surge of adrenaline, leading to a burst of energy that helps us meet threats. This response can be measured through an enzyme called alpha-amylase.

At the same time, but a little more slowly, the HPA axis activates the adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol. This can help a person meet threats that might last for hours or even days. If everything goes well, when the danger ends, both axes settle down, and the body goes back to its calm state.

While stress can be an uncomfortable feeling, it has been important to human survival. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had to respond effectively to acute stress events like an animal attack. In such instances, over-responding could be as ineffective as under-responding. Staying in an optimal stress response zone maximized humans’ chances of survival.

More to the story

After cortisol is released by the adrenal glands, it eventually makes its way into your saliva, making it an easily accessible biomarker to track responses. Because of this, most research on dogs and stress has focused on salivary cortisol alone.

For example, several studies have found that people exposed to a stressful situation have a lower cortisol response if they’re with a dog than if they’re alone – even lower than if they’re with a friend.

While these studies have shown that having a dog nearby can lower cortisol levels during a stressful event, suggesting the person is calmer, we suspected that was just part of the story.

What our study measured

For our study, we recruited about 40 dog owners to participate in a 15-minute gold standard laboratory stress test. This involves public speaking and oral math in front of a panel of expressionless people posing as behavioral specialists.

The participants were randomly assigned to bring their dogs to the lab with them or to leave their dogs at home. We measured cortisol in blood samples taken before, immediately after and about 45 minutes following the test as a biomarker of HPA axis activity. And unlike previous studies, we also measured the enzyme alpha-amylase in the same blood samples as a biomarker of the SAM axis.

As expected based on previous studies, the people who had their dog with them showed lower cortisol spikes. But we also found that people with their dog experienced a clear spike of alpha-amylase, while those without their dog showed almost no response.

No response may sound like a good thing, but in fact, a flat alpha-amylase response can be a sign of a dysregulated response to stress, often seen in people experiencing high stress responses, chronic stress or even PTSD. This lack of response is caused by chronic or overwhelming stress that can change how our nervous system responds to stressors.

In contrast, the participants with their dogs had a more balanced response: Their cortisol didn’t spike too high, but their alpha-amylase still activated. This shows that they were alert and engaged throughout the test, then able to return to normal within 45 minutes. That’s the sweet spot for handling stress effectively. Our research suggests that our canine companions keep us in a healthy zone of stress response.

Dogs and human health

This more nuanced understanding of the biological effects of dogs on the human stress response opens up exciting possibilities. Based on the results of our study, our team has begun a new study using thousands of biomarkers to delve deeper into the biology of how psychiatric service dogs reduce PTSD in military veterans.

But one thing is already clear: Dogs aren’t just good company. They might just be one of the most accessible and effective tools for staying healthy in a stressful world.

Original Post  The Conversation US, Inc.

Authors

1. Kevin Morris

   Research Professor of Social Work, University of Denver

2. Jaci Gandenberger

   Research Associate of Social Work, University of Denver

FROM MSN

Image by Prawny from Pixabay

The retrospective study, conducted at UH Connor Whole Health and the UH Fertility Center, analyzed 1,896 WS-TCM treatments provided during 202 embryo transfers for 146 patients from 2019 to 2022. Patients undergoing IVF who received WS-TCM treatments, including acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary guidance, and herbal medicine, experienced measurable symptom relief. The study found clinically meaningful improvements following a single-treatment with average reductions of 2.2 units in anxiety, 2.1 in stress, and 1.4 in pain, on a 10-unit numeric rating scale.

Findings support the use of WS-TCM for providing symptom relief for patients navigating the heavy emotional and physical challenges of IVF. More than 25 percent of patients in the study sample had documented mental health diagnoses, with anxiety being the most common. Thus, integrative treatments like WS-TCM may enhance patient experience during IVF treatment. This evidence adds to a growing body of research supporting the efficacy of acupuncture and other WS-TCM modalities for improving IVF success rates.

Researchers found that 88.6 percent of IVF cycles included WS-TCM treatment on the day of embryo transfer. Additionally, 64.9 percent of cycles featured treatments in the weeks leading up to embryo transfer. As WS-TCM practitioners continue to be integrated within U.S. fertility centers, this study provides comprehensive data on when treatments occurred, how many treatments were provided, and what specific acupuncture points were utilized to address the needs of women undergoing IVF.

The UH Fertility Center is among a growing number of academic medical centers nationwide implementing integrative therapies into reproductive health services. This collaborative care model enables personalized, whole-person support during every step throughout fertility treatment.

“During the IVF journey, patients seek the best possible clinical outcomes, but also comprehensive support to help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany treatment. Our study demonstrates that acupuncture and whole-systems TCM can serve as a valuable tool to decrease pain, stress and anxiety – ultimately contributing to both improved outcomes and a more positive, holistic patient experience,” said Christine Kaiser, DACM, Lac, Principal Investigator of the Study, and the Connor Endowed Director of Reproductive Well-being at UH Connor Whole Health.

“Our patients often ask how complementary therapies impact IVF outcomes, and this study is a critical step toward providing high-quality data to guide those decisions,” added Rebecca Flyckt, MD, co-author of the study and Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UH. “Collaborative research like this helps us to better support patients not only medically, but emotionally and physically throughout their fertility treatments.”

This study was supported by the Connor Family Foundation.

You can read the article “Clinical Delivery of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine and Impacts upon Patient Reported Outcomes during IVF” by clicking here.

Reference: Lu R, Rodgers-Melnick SN, Flyckt R, et al. Clinical Delivery of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine and Impacts Upon Patient Reported Outcomes During IVF. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. 2025;14. doi:10.1177/27536130251349116

Original Post 

By Carly Belsterling

Image by 和 其 from Pixabay

“The only constant in life is change,” said Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and with change can come stress.

Research has found that a certain level of stress can be a good thing if it motivates, pushing some people to work harder, meet deadlines, and achieve goals. But excessive stress, and lack of knowledge in how to handle it effectively, can be harmful and impact physical and mental health.

“Mental health is a state of mental well-being enabling people to cope with the stresses in life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, according to the World Health Organization. I agree with this definition,” states Army Col. (Dr.) Aniceto Navarro, director of Behavioral Health at Walter Reed.

With the current rapid pace of changes, uncertainties, and challenges, Navarro added that people are “multi-tasking [their] way into epidemic levels of chronic and stress-related diseases. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can exercise healthy boundaries, learn to do the hard work of slowing down and listening to what our bodies are trying to tell us, and make those small changes, that over time, can lead to a more grounded and purposeful life. The signs are there if we have the courage and support to learn the language,” he said.

“We don’t want to pathologize anyone,” Navarro continued. “Stresses are normal occurrences in life, but it’s how we react to the stress which would guide the appropriate resources. On my deployments, chaplains were a fantastic resource for anyone to go talk with about anything. Whether or not religion is a component of your life, they are wonderful.”

“Military and Family Life Counselors, and the Fleet and Family Support Program are also excellent resources to turn to when feeling overwhelmed by stress,” Navarro added. “I also highly encourage folks to talk with each other, to learn about each other. We are so much more similar than we are different, and when we have shared understandings, we are great resources of support for each other.”

Handling stress effectively also includes building resiliency, and Walter Reed has the only Staff Resiliency Program in the Defense Health Network-National Capital Region.

Shantrell R. Hamilton is chief of Resiliency and program manager of the Staff Resiliency Program at Walter Reed. “I am responsible for managing and providing resiliency services that will support all staff at Walter Reed. We work as a team to provide services such as individual resiliency coaching sessions, unit morale checks, sensing sessions, informal mediation, trainings and workshops [focused on] stress management/burnout, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, team building, positive leadership and more, based on request.”

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related concerns. The EAP can address issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, including alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders. DHA’s EAP can be reached at 866-580-9046. Also, information concerning the Walter Reed Wellness Network can be found at https://walterreed.tricare.mil/WellnessNetwork.

“Realize that you are not alone,” Navarro stated. “Make peace with your emotions and train them to be smarter. Have a working theory of right and wrong. Don’t poison yourself with intoxicating substances such as alcohol, drugs, and pornography. Realize that moral rules have no exceptions. Morality is valid for all rational beings. Truth does not change; facts do though,” he added.

To reach the Resiliency Program Office at Walter Reed, call 301-319-2865. Walter Reed Chaplains Office can be reached at 301-295-1510. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, can be reached by dialing 988.

Original Post Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

By Bernard Little, WRNMMC Command Communications

Image by Istvan Brecz-Gruber from Pixabay

The busy spring and summer seasons can bring a sense of urgency and extra stress to our systems. While the demands of these seasons are unavoidable for many of us, we don’t have to suffer through stress-related symptoms in our bodies.

Taking just a few moments daily can build our resilience, no matter what challenges this season brings. Here are a few of my favourite “on-the-go” stress management and nervous system regulation tools.

Grounding

Think of your nervous system as a complex biological electrical circuit — one that benefits from being grounded. Grounding means connecting your awareness to the literal ground beneath you. This could be the earth itself, your floor, the floor of a vehicle, or the seat you’re sitting on. All these surfaces connect to our global electromagnetic field: the Earth.

While you may have seen ads for grounding products such as sheets, mats, shoes or clothing, all you really need is your mind and body. The simplest method is to notice where your body contacts a stable surface: your feet on the ground, your weight in a chair, or your back against a surface while lying down. That’s grounding!

Spending even a few moments in this awareness throughout your day effectively regulates your nervous system (that complex biological electrical grid) to the present moment. When we’re grounded in the present, we can better process past stresses and future worries.

Conscious breath

Taking a moment to focus on your breath is another powerful way to anchor yourself in the present moment and release lingering stress. Start by noticing the details of your breath: how it feels, where it moves. Then create a rhythm, making your inhales and exhales equal in length. You’ll likely find this rhythm becomes easier with practice. Next, try exhaling through an open mouth with a gentle sigh, gradually lengthening these exhales.

This breathing technique has been proven to calm your system and promote both regulation and rest. If you have trouble sleeping, this tool might be particularly helpful.

Sensory orientation

This practice engages your external senses: hearing, sight, smell and touch.

Begin by letting your eyes scan your environment: look up, behind, below and all around you. Take in as much detail as possible about your surroundings. Then let your gaze settle somewhere comfortable. Notice smells, starting with the strongest and moving to more subtle ones. Do the same with sounds. For touch, explore different textures with your hands, apply gentle pressure to various parts of your body, then slowly release. Finally, spend a few breaths mindfully feeling your feet against the ground.

Stress is a natural part of life, but our bodies aren’t designed to handle constant stress buildup. Regular self-care practices that support both body and mind are essential. Connecting with loved ones and community helps buffer stress’s impacts. If stress disrupts your sleep, relationships or overall well-being, it’s important to seek help from physical wellness and mental health professionals.

Image by Валентин Симеонов from Pixabay

Original Post 

About the author, Kathlyn Hossack is a certified athletic therapist and somatic therapist. She consults clients for injury rehabilitation and healthy lifestyles in person in St. Norbert, Man., and virtually via video conference.

This is one of the many well-known quotes by Jon Kabat-Zinn, developer and founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). It’s a simple saying, but it provides a vivid image and valuable lesson. We can’t stop the world’s stressors from making their way towards us, but we can develop skills to ride the waves until we make it safely to the other side.

How exactly do we surf? Mindfulness is a practice and set of skills that helps us move through challenging situations and respond effectively. It involves paying attention to the present moment on purpose, without judgment. When we focus on the present moment and accept it as it is, it is grounding. Mindfulness helps us not be overwhelmed by our emotions.

Mindfulness has decades of research showing benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Studies show that long-term mindfulness meditation is associated with physical changes in the brain that lead to increased attention and emotional regulation. These changes can enhance our ability to recover faster after stressful events.

It’s important to note that these changes don’t happen overnight. It takes consistent practice. Reduced feelings of stress and anxiety and improved mood are reported with as little as five minutes of mindfulness meditation per day.

Similar to the way consistent exercise over time increases our physical fitness, meditation is the “workout” or formal practice that increases our ability to be mindful, pay attention, recover from stress, and regulate our emotions.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with your breath.

• Breath Awareness: A foundational practice in mindfulness meditation is breath awareness meditation. Practice turning your attention toward your breath as air flows in and out of your lungs. There is no objective other than to observe the natural rhythm of your breath without judgment. Your mind will wander, but each time you bring your attention back to your breath, you are practicing a moment of mindfulness.
• Deep Breathing: You can also practice deep breathing or other controlled breath practices such as boxed breathing that intentionally manipulate the breath: Breathe in through your nose and engage your diaphragm (belly) to slow down the fight-or-flight response.

2. Observe and notice.

• Body Scan: Take 30 to 60 seconds and turn your attention to your body. Start at your toes and work up to the top of your head. Notice where you feel sensations or tensions in your body. When you know what’s going on with your body, you can take action to nourish it (hydrate, stretch, grab a nutritious snack, etc.).
• Mindful Observation: Choose an object in your environment and observe it closely. This is great to do on a walk outside. Observe the grass, trees, plants, or flowers. Notice their color, texture, shape, or any other details. This practice can help you develop a habit of paying attention and reduce autopilot mode.

3. Be kind to yourself.

• Self-Compassion: Notice how you speak to yourself. Reframe the conversation as if you were speaking to a friend? Consider how you can extend the same kindness to yourself.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to acknowledge your circumstances and shift your mindset. “I am capable.” “I am doing my best.”

4. Practice mindful living.

• Mindful Pauses: Mindfulness begins with a pause. Take advantage of small opportunities to slow down and check in with yourself, others, and the world around you. Here are some of my favorite ways to pause.
• 20 Ways to Pause in Your Day:
  • Start the day with a few mindful breaths
  • Take two minutes for a stretch or yoga pose
  • Go on a mini mindful walk
  • Listen intently to others

Getting Started with Mindfulness

Everyone is busy, and you might not feel like you have the capacity to build a new practice into your routine, but it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort to get started. A little can go a long way. All it takes is intention and reminders to practice. Anyone can establish a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is for everyone.

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that can be developed. Start small and be kind to yourself as you explore your practice.

liveWELL has resources for faculty and staff interested in exploring mindfulness for their well-being.

• Managing Stress and Mindfulness Resource Library
• Mindfulness for Mental Well-Being Group Health Coaching
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions defined by long-lasting patterns of behavior, emotional response, and thinking that differ significantly from societal expectations. These patterns typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and can disrupt a person’s relationships, work, and self-image. The causes of personality disorders are complex, involving both inherited traits and life experiences. The authors of the review set out to explore how environmental exposures, such as childhood trauma and chronic stress, might alter the brain at a molecular level, increasing the risk for these disorders.

“The way the human brain adapts to the environment is of great interest in the neuroscience field, especially when exploring new avenues to treat mental health conditions that are currently poorly understood,” said the corresponding authors of the paper, Lorenzo More (a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Central Lancashire), Ilaria Morella (assistant professor in pharmacology at Pavia University), and Andrew Shaw, (a lecturer in biomedical science at Glasgow University).

One of the central themes of the review is how environmental stress can shape the brain’s development through biological changes, a process known as environmental embodiment. The authors examine how specific molecular signaling pathways—namely Ras-ERK, p38, and mTOR—respond to external stimuli. These pathways regulate important brain functions like memory, stress responses, and social behavior. When disrupted, they may contribute to the kinds of emotional instability, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties seen in many personality disorders.

The review also discusses how certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, oxytocin, and vasopressin, are involved in the development and expression of personality disorder traits. For instance, reduced serotonin activity has been linked to increased impulsivity and emotional instability, while altered dopamine function may affect how people respond to rewards or frustration. Imbalances in oxytocin and vasopressin, which influence bonding and aggression, are believed to underlie some of the social and emotional challenges seen in people with disorders such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder.

The authors draw particular attention to the brain’s energy systems, especially the role of mitochondria—tiny structures within cells that generate energy. These energy-producing systems are not just about keeping neurons running; they also help regulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Studies in both humans and animal models have found that disruptions in mitochondrial function may be associated with traits like impulsivity and aggression. Additionally, the review highlights the role of oxidative stress—when harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species build up in the brain—in influencing how people react to stress and social situations.

Because personality disorders are difficult to model in animals, researchers have turned to studying smaller behavioral traits known as endophenotypes. These include behaviors such as heightened aggression or reduced social interaction. For example, one widely used test involves observing how mice respond to intruders, which gives insight into aggression levels. Although these models cannot capture the full complexity of human personality disorders, they help researchers identify biological mechanisms that might contribute to symptoms.

The review highlights “that antisocial traits — such as disproportionate aggression — which are characteristic of a clinical condition called antisocial personality disorder, result from imbalances in certain brain molecular pathways within cells,” the researchers told PsyPost. “These pathways can be influenced by one’s environment. For example, environments marked by high social competition increase the activity of p38, a ‘pro-stress’ molecular pathway, while reducing the activity of the Ras-ERK ‘anti-stress’ pathway.”

A key innovation discussed in the review is the potential development of “enviromimetic” drugs—medications that mimic the positive effects of healthy environmental experiences. These drugs would not treat symptoms in isolation, but instead activate the same molecular pathways that are engaged by nurturing social experiences or supportive environments. The goal is to reset or strengthen the biological systems involved in emotion regulation and social functioning.

“Targeting key components of the Ras-ERK pathway could enhance its cellular anti-stress effects and potentially reduce aggressive behaviors,” the researchers explained.

Some early examples of such interventions include ampakines—compounds that enhance the activity of specific brain receptors and may improve memory, plasticity, and sociability. Ampakines work by stimulating the Ras-ERK pathway, which is involved in learning and synaptic growth. Similarly, certain nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids or saffron extract, may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are increasingly recognized as contributors to emotional instability and aggression. These dietary supplements could complement existing therapies by supporting brain health at a cellular level.

The review also introduces a novel experimental compound called RB5, a cell-penetrating peptide that enhances ERK signaling in the brain. By mimicking certain deficiencies in ERK regulation, RB5 increases the activity of pathways involved in synaptic function and gene expression. This type of targeted molecular intervention might eventually help reduce aggressive or antisocial behaviors by recalibrating brain responses to social stimuli.

Looking ahead, the authors stress the need for more precise models of personality disorders that go beyond single traits like aggression. Many features of these disorders—such as a fragile sense of self, chronic feelings of emptiness, or fears of abandonment—are difficult to study in animals, leaving significant gaps in current knowledge. Future research may focus on combining genetic, molecular, and behavioral data to identify biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment strategies.

In particular, more work is needed “to better understand how the human brain encodes the valence of environmental stimuli, and how we can harness this knowledge to develop treatments for affective mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia,” the researchers said.

The review, “Neurobiology, molecular pathways, and environmental influences in antisocial traits and personality disorders,” was authored by Patryk M. Adamczyk, Andrew Shaw, Ilaria M. Morella, and Lorenzo More.

by Eric W. Dolan in Mental Health, Neuroimaging

Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay

Stress is sometimes considered a good thing, and medical professionals even note that acute stress can help to sharpen focus and compel some to fulfill their full professional potential. However, the Mayo Clinic reports chronic stress bas been linked to a host of serious health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive issues, and heart disease. The American Institute of Stress notes that work-related stress is a major stressor for professionals.

Embracing strategies to manage work-related stress can help professionals reduce their risk for the serious health conditions that can be brought on by chronic stress.

Monitor your stressors. The American Psychological Association advises professionals to maintain a journal for a week or two in which they document situations that are triggering stress. When documenting stressors, also jot down your responses, feelings and details about the environment, including the people around you, when stress kicked in. Keeping a journal can help identify the sources of stress and determine if there are any patterns that trigger it.

Embrace healthy responses to stress. The APA notes that exercise, yoga or any other form of physical activity are helpful and healthy responses to stress. Too often individuals lean into unhealthy responses, such as drinking alcohol and/or eating unhealthy foods after a stressful workday. But the Cleveland Clinic notes that relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress only exacerbates the feelings of depression and anxiety that stress can trigger.

Establish boundaries between your professional and personal life. The APA notes that the digital era has led many professionals to feel pressured to be available around-the-clock. But work-life boundaries can be vital to combatting career-related stress. Turning off notifications from your work email account at the end of the workday can help to establish a work-life boundary. In addition, resist any temptation to check emails before going to bed, as doing so might trigger stress that makes it hard to fall asleep.

Use your personal/vacation time. The 2024 Sorbet PTO (Paid Time Off) Report found that 62% of professionals did not use all of their PTO in 2023, which marked a 5% increase in unused PTO from the year prior. The APA notes that time off is linked to reduced stress as well as lower rates of heart disease, depression and anxiety. In addition, professionals may or may not be surprised to learn that time off has been linked to improved productivity. Work is a significant source of stress for millions of professionals. Embracing healthy ways to combat work-related stress can benefit your personal and professional life.

By Metro Creative Services  for The Boston Herald

Image by vianamanutencao from Pixabay